At least 15 Indian tourists were killed and 21 others rescued after a tourist speedboat carrying an Indian group capsized off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, making it one of the deadliest accidents involving Indian travellers overseas in recent years. Rescue operations concluded after all passengers were accounted for, while Vietnamese authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
According to Vietnamese authorities, the vessel was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four onboard staff. The speedboat overturned about 400 metres from Hon May Rut Ngoai (May Rut Ngoai) Islet, a popular excursion spot near Phu Quoc, as it was returning from an island tour. Local reports said nearby tourist boats reached the site first before border guards, the navy and the coast guard joined the rescue effort.
The victims reportedly included 13 men and two women. Survivors and the injured were taken to hospitals on Phu Quoc Island. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the capsize, and investigations are underway.
The Embassy of India in Vietnam said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities. In a statement, the Indian mission described the incident as "tragic" and said emergency control rooms had been established to assist affected families.
According to the Embassy, a control room has been set up at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City. Families can contact +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 3714, or +84 33 452 0414. Another control room has also been established in Hanoi and can be reached at +84 91 308 9165.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives, while the Indian Embassy said its officials were present at the accident site and were extending all possible assistance to the survivors and families of the victims.
A Fresh Blow To Vietnam's Tourism Safety Record
The accident comes less than a year after another major maritime tragedy in Vietnam. In July 2025, the tourist boat Wonder Sea capsized during a sudden thunderstorm in Ha Long Bay, killing 39 people, making it the country's deadliest tourist boating disaster in over two decades. That accident prompted renewed scrutiny of maritime safety, weather warnings and emergency preparedness for tourist vessels.
While boating accidents involving tourists are relatively uncommon in Vietnam, the country's rapidly growing marine tourism industry has faced repeated questions over safety standards, vessel inspections and operations during adverse weather. Saturday's tragedy is likely to intensify those concerns, particularly at Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam's fastest-growing island destinations that attracts millions of international visitors every year.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
Q1. What happened near Phu Quoc Island?
A tourist speedboat carrying Indian tourists capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Islet off Phu Quoc Island, resulting in at least 15 deaths and multiple injuries.
Q2. How many Indian tourists were on the boat?
According to Vietnamese authorities, the boat was carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists and four crew members.
Q3. What caused the Phu Quoc boat accident?
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the capsize. An official investigation is underway.
Q4. Has the Indian Embassy responded?
Yes. The Embassy of India in Vietnam has established emergency control rooms, deployed officials to assist survivors and families, and is coordinating with Vietnamese authorities.
Q5. Have similar tourist boat accidents occurred in Vietnam?
Yes. In July 2025, the tourist boat Wonder Sea capsized in Ha Long Bay during a thunderstorm, killing 39 people and prompting renewed scrutiny of maritime safety in Vietnam.
